§ Mr. McAllionTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what new priority partnership initiatives he plans to launch in 1996–97; and if he will consider new applications for priority partnership area initiatives in that year. [7760]
§ Mr. Raymond S. RobertsonMy right hon. Friend will only be responsible for the designation of priority partnership areas if the urban programme continues as a specific grant. If it does not, such matters will be for local decision. The future of the urban programme as a specific grant is currently the subject of public consultation.